Sam Spanier is a freshman at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) working on a degree in accounting. In addition to his studies, the 19-year-old serves as president of UMD’s chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a nationwide conservative organization.
In a phone call with Alpha News, Spanier said that TPUSA regularly faces hostility on UMD’s campus. However, that hostility has intensified in recent days as TPUSA prepares to host an event about protecting women’s sports and defending free speech.
This Wednesday, Spanier’s organization will host “The Fight is Far From Over: Defending Free Speech and Women’s Sports.” Olivia Krolzyk, a former college athlete, is slated to be the guest speaker for that event. Affiliated with The Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute, Krolzyk is a free speech advocate who works as a reporter for Campus Reform.
While studying chemistry in college, Krolzyk was given a failing grade on a project because she used the phrase “biological woman.”
As one might expect, TPUSA has promoted its event on UMD’s campus with posters and flyers. Those posters have subsequently been drawn on, ripped down, and destroyed. In one instance, TPUSA put up a flyer that was laminated and secured with over 200 push-pins. Despite this, the flyer was ruined and push-pins were left in front of Spanier’s door.
According to the college freshman, an LGBT group is preparing to protest the upcoming event featuring Krolzyk. In turn, TPUSA has coordinated with campus police to ensure that the event goes smoothly without any incidents.
Sadly, the hostility aimed at TPUSA has risen far beyond destroyed posters and an LGBT protest. Spanier told Alpha News that he was recently the recipient of graphic threats issued last week.
In a police report obtained by Alpha News, Spanier told a responding police officer that an individual approached his Turning Point table, called him a “fascist,” and said “I’ll line all you mother f—–s up against the wall and shoot you” or “I’d line all you mother f—–s up against the wall and shoot you.”
Clifford Julstrom, the individual who allegedly made those comments, is the president of UMD’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), a far-left group. Alpha News reached out to the group for comment but did not receive a reply.
The police report about the incident says Julstrom told a police officer that he could not exactly remember what he said, he was not trying to threaten anyone, and he has no intention of ever actually hurting anyone.
While the police report about the incident said that “there was not conclusive evidence of a direct threat nor evidence of intent to harm another,” Julstrom was still issued a citation for simple assault and disorderly conduct.
Spanier has successfully obtained a restraining order against Julstrom and has inquired if the YDSA president has been banned from campus. According to Spanier, UMD would not confirm.
A spokesperson for UMD confirmed that the incident has been thoroughly investigated by campus police and that a student was cited for disorderly conduct and fifth-degree assault. However, state and federal law prevents the university from disclosing any actions it may take regarding “the involved student.”
“Respectful disagreement and debate are welcome at UMD,” said the spokesperson. “We are firmly committed to the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campus to freely express their views through open and respectful dialogue, regardless of viewpoint.”
UMD further stated that campus safety is its top priority and the school stands against actions of violence, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and other hostile actions.
Despite the hostility TPUSA has faced, Spanier said his organization remains respectful of other student groups and never retaliates.
“The rising trend of hostility towards conservative students on campus is beyond alarming,” said Spanier. “Students shouldn’t have to choose between expressing conservative thoughts and worrying about their safety. Between students who threaten violence and commit criminal acts and school administration that stands by and allows that kind of environment to fester, it is a seemingly neverending uphill battle.”
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
